How's this sound to you guys?

I feel I got a decent beginner setup but I'm new so I'd like opinions.

Uniden bearcat 980ssb peaked and tuned putting out 12w and I just installed a road pro heli coil 54 stainless whip on a mirror mount. According to my radio I got a 1.5 swr.

Just looking for input.

 

The antenna is just a cheapo from loves. It was in sale. Same people wbo ake the lunch box ovens.

The radio I bought used for 100$ at the cb shop at the ta in somewhere west Virginia. I watched him peak and tune. I saw the thing put the 12w out. Of sure how reputible he is as a tuner but he's a solid guy. I was more empresses with the guy at the cb shop at the ta in Atlanta (the paid parking one with the chrome shop and tattoo parlor as well)

 

Funny thing is, didn't have to touch the antenna to get that. I just put it all max shortness and it worked lol. Gotta say something for dumb luck on that one

 

I should also note I'm useing the radios built in swr meter And it just jumped a little closer to 2 when I keyed up on 19.
Any opinions?

I'm trying to learn so forgive any super repeated questions lol

 

Well I did buy the meter at the loves but I trashed the one coax during install and didn't feel like spending more money today on the thing so I traded the meter for a lunchbox oven and 2 more of my dollars.

But I also havent touched the whip with a cutting device for that very reason. Just In case....

Oh also I used 18ft of coax.

 

I'm not worryied about branding my radio. Im just trying to get some distance out of this thing. I've had the radio a little while and I'd like to be able to talk further then half a mile or so. Other then that idk....